People get Afro-Colombian hairstyles during the 13th contest of Afro hairdressers ‘Tejiendo Esperanzas’ (Weaving Hopes) in Valle del Cauca department, Colombia. The contest seeks to revive African customs, identity and culture in the South American country. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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The Afro-Colombian hairstyles have origins from the times of slavery, when women would sit to comb their children’s hair after a backbreaking day of labour. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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The braids were also used to communicate messages between slaves, signalling that they were going to escape, or even used to keep gold and seeds to help them survive after they would run away. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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A woman with an Afro-Colombian hairstyle takes a selfie during the contest. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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While slavery was abolished in Colombia on May 21, 1851, many were still mistreated and forced to forgo African traditions, such as braiding. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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Some amazing hairstyles included difficult patterns interwoven with colourful accessories or twisted into almost unbelievable formations. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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The category of children’s hairstyles had abundance of colourful and fun hairbraids. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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Two young women pose for a pictures during the contest . (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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Women and young girls of all ages turned up for the ‘Tejiendo Esperanzas’ (Knitting Hope) competition in Colombia. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

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A young girl has had her hair braided in a complex pattern during the 13th contest of Afro hairdressers. (LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)